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Investigating Septic Tank Concerns

By Kimberly Shane

Investigating Septic Tank Concerns

Investigating septic concerns.jpgWhile a septic tank doesn’t affect all homeowners (many are on city sewers) there are a good number of people who do have to concern themselves with septic care. Septic tanks exist below the surface of the ground so you don’t often see the small signs that indicate a potential problem. Additionally, if a septic tank fails, it is not just you that is affected but also your neighbors.

Generally speaking, the septic liquid waste must be disposed of on the property from which it originates. If you or your neighbor suspect an issue it is good to address it quickly to minimize not just any health concerns but also to maintain a good relationship with your neighbors. If the issue is not resolved then the health department would get involved and require action. As with most things, there are regulations for septic systems; you can find clearance distances here: https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Clearance_Distances.php . This is a good place to start investigating if you have a concern with a neighboring septic tank. It is important to note that odors can be a good indication that the neighbor’s system is in failure or that their plumbing or venting were not installed correctly. However, according to the sourced article, “most health departments will require action if septic effluent is actually entering a neighbor’s property, but won’t require action on odors.”

There are additional steps that can be taken, including water tests and soil testing. To find out more information on these please see our sourced article:

Source: https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Septic_Neighbor_Disputes.php

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